On July 11, 2025, the Houston and Camp Mystic communities mourned the loss of Katherine Ferruzzo, a 19-year-old whose vibrant spirit and dedication to others left an indelible mark. Katherine, a recent graduate of Memorial High School and an incoming freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, passed on during the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, 2025. As a counselor at the all-girls Christian summer camp, she exemplified selflessness, giving her all to protect the young campers in her care. This tribute celebrates Katherine’s life, her passion for helping others, and the legacy she leaves behind.
A Heart for Service
Katherine Ferruzzo was born on April 12, 2006, in Houston, Texas, to John and Andrea Ferruzzo. Growing up in a close-knit family, she was one of eight grandchildren cherished by her late grandfather, Salvatore “Sal” Ferruzzo, and her grandmother, Francine. Katherine’s warmth and compassion were evident early on, shaped by her close relationship with a cousin who has special needs. This bond inspired her lifelong commitment to supporting children with learning differences.
At Memorial High School in Houston’s Spring Branch Independent School District, Katherine was a standout student and leader. As a sophomore, she played a pivotal role in launching the school’s first Unity Game, a mini-football event where students with special needs could participate in football, cheerleading, or band alongside their peers. Her enthusiasm and organizational skills brought the school community together, creating a tradition that continues to foster inclusion. By her junior year, Katherine was volunteering with organizations like the Miracle League, Gigi’s Playhouse, Camp Acorn, and Camp Briarwood, all dedicated to children and individuals with special needs. Her work as a teacher aide in Spring Branch ISD elementary schools further showcased her calling. In a broadcast interview, she described the experience as “humbling,” noting, “It makes you feel really good about yourself and really makes you understand how much work teachers do.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Katherine’s path was clear: she was destined to make a difference. Accepted to the University of Texas at Austin for the fall of 2025, she planned to study early childhood education with a focus on special education. Her dream was to become a special education teacher, a goal rooted in her belief that every child deserves support and opportunity. Her family described her as having a “fierce and loving spirit,” a quality that shone brightly in her role as a counselor at Camp Mystic’s Bubble Inn cabin, where she mentored girls aged 8 to 10.
Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, was a place Katherine loved. As a counselor, she poured her heart into creating a safe and joyful space for her campers, many of whom looked up to her as a role model. Her dedication was unwavering, even in the face of the catastrophic flooding that swept through Kerr County on July 4, 2025. The Guadalupe River, swollen by unprecedented rainfall, rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, devastating the camp and claiming at least 27 lives, including Katherine’s. Her family believes she did everything in her power to protect the girls in her cabin, a testament to her selflessness.
The Tragic Flood and a Community’s Response
The flooding in the Texas Hill Country was one of the deadliest in the state’s history, with at least 129 lives lost and over 170 people initially unaccounted for. Katherine was the last Camp Mystic counselor reported missing, and her family held onto hope as search and rescue teams, including the Texas Rangers, worked tirelessly. On July 11, 2025, her remains were recovered, bringing closure to a heartbroken community. In a statement, her family expressed gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful to all the search and rescue professionals and volunteers who have remained steadfast in their efforts to locate the victims of this tragedy. We would especially like to thank the Texas Rangers.”
The outpouring of support from Houston, Camp Mystic, and beyond was immense. Social media posts reflected the community’s grief and admiration for Katherine’s compassion. One user wrote, “She’d only just graduated from high school. She had planned on going to college in the fall to become a special education teacher. May her memory be a blessing.” Another shared, “Katherine Ferruzzo was devoted to caring for children, from the campers in her cabin to the students with special needs she helped.”
The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation
To honor Katherine’s passion for helping those with special needs, her family is establishing the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation. The foundation will support programs and initiatives for individuals with learning differences, continuing Katherine’s mission of inclusion and care. “The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation is being established to honor Katherine and her compassion for those with special needs and learning differences,” her family shared. They plan to release donation details soon, inviting the community to contribute to a cause that was close to Katherine’s heart.
A Life That Inspired
Katherine’s life, though brief, was a beacon of kindness and purpose. She was an active member of the National Charity League and student council, always seeking ways to uplift others. Her volunteer work touched countless lives, from children at the Miracle League playing baseball to those at Gigi’s Playhouse finding joy in community programs. Her love for education and her commitment to special needs advocacy were evident in every step she took. The University of Texas at Austin, where she was set to begin her studies, mourned her loss in a statement: “We deeply mourn the loss of so many lives from the Hill Country floods and pray for all who are impacted.”
Her family, including parents John and Andrea, and her siblings and cousins, remember Katherine as a light who brought warmth to every room. Her grandfather Sal, who passed in 2019, was one of her biggest fans, and their bond was a source of strength for the Ferruzzo family. A memorial on Kerrville’s Water Street, near the Guadalupe River, now includes Katherine’s picture, a poignant reminder of her impact.
How to Honor Katherine’s Memory
Katherine’s legacy is one of love, service, and resilience. To celebrate her life, consider supporting the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation once donation details are available. You can also volunteer with organizations like Gigi’s Playhouse or The Miracle League, which align with Katherine’s passion for helping children with special needs. For those in Houston, attending community events at Spring Branch ISD or contributing to local memorials can keep her spirit alive.
Final Thoughts
Katherine Ferruzzo’s life was a gift to all who knew her. Her compassion, her courage, and her unwavering dedication to others will continue to inspire. Though she has left us, her legacy endures through the lives she touched and the foundation that will carry her mission forward. As her family said, “We are heartbroken for the other families and pray for all who have been affected.” Let us honor Katherine by living with the same kindness and purpose she embodied every day.
For updates on the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, check back with Houston Chronicle or NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. To learn more about supporting causes Katherine loved, visit Camp Mystic or Spring Branch ISD.
